The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has debunked a viral video circulating online which purportedly showed vandalism on the $1.5 billion Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line, describing it as “old, mischievous, and intended to mislead the public.”
In a statement issued on behalf of the Corporation, Dr. Opeifa clarified that the footage in question referenced an incident that occurred in August 2024—not on the modern Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge line—but rather on the old narrow gauge track in Oyo State.
“The incident took place between August 7 and 27, 2024, between Km 170 (Omi-Adio) and Km 240 (Erunmu) on the old narrow gauge corridor,” Opeifa explained.
“At no point was the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge—which was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021—involved.”
According to internal NRC records, the affected stretch included multiple acts of vandalism: On August 7, 250 E-clips were vandalized at Km 218; On August 27, 16 short rails and one additional rail were stolen at Km 221; And by September 9, another 280 E-clips and two poles were stolen at Km 219.
Dr. Opeifa disclosed that these incidents immediately triggered community-level interventions, including security reinforcement in collaboration with the village head of Erunmu, the vigilante group, and the Oyo State Police Command.
“We conducted a sensitisation campaign at Agodi Gate, targeting scrap dealers—often the end market for these stolen railway parts.
Several arrests were made and suspects handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for prosecution,” he said.
He praised the Nigeria Police Railway Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the judiciary for their swift response, adding that no further incidents have been reported along that axis since the clampdown.
While acknowledging the media’s role in spotlighting railway vandalism, Opeifa urged outlets to exercise due diligence.
“We sincerely appreciate the role of Sahara Reporters and others in exposing the activities of economic saboteurs, but it is vital for the media to verify their facts before publication,” he warned.
“Misrepresentation of facts, especially on issues involving national security assets, only breeds unnecessary panic and damages public trust.”
The NRC MD reiterated the Corporation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding rail infrastructure across the country and issued a stern warning to vandals and their collaborators—particularly smelting companies and foundries.
“Anyone caught dealing in stolen railway materials will be treated as an economic saboteur. We will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against them,” Opeifa vowed.
He called for sustained collaboration with the media, communities, and security agencies to ensure the safety of both standard and narrow gauge networks nationwide.
